Monmouthshire Council issues flood advice as clean-up operation continues

Residents and businesses impacted by flooding are being asked to follow important information as clean-up operations continue across the county.

Over 100 residential properties and a number of businesses have begun their recovery processes after devastation by flood water caused by Storm Dennis.

Flooding carries with it many dangers including contamination and the risk of debris remaining once the water has receded.

Anyone affected by flooding is asked to follow the guidance below:

• The single most effective way of preventing infection is washing your hands after handling anything that has been in contact with flood water or sludge and silt.
• If using a pressure washer to clean use face masks to prevent inhalation of aerosols
• Dead rodents should be handled using rubber gloves and disposed of in secure plastic bags
• Remove soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged and beyond repair.
• Remove as much silt and dirty water as possible.
• Wash down all surfaces with hot soapy water till visibly clean
• Food preparation areas, food cupboards and refrigerators should be cleaned with hot soapy water then disinfected using bleach. Dispose of any wooden boards and utensils.
• Dispose of all contaminated food, included anything defrosted. 
• Allow all surfaces to dry – this will also help kill germs.
• Contact Monmouthshire County Council’s Environmental Health team for further advice www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/environmental-health-2/

Monmouthshire County Council also encourages people to use the county’s waste and recycling centres to dispose of any items that might have been damaged in the floods.

Further advice can be sought from partner agencies including Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales and the National Flood Forum.

Council Leader, Peter Fox said: “As we begin to move into the recovery operation of these dreadful floods, it’s important residents and businesses take the advice we’ve issued to ensure they keep themselves safe and reduce the risk of other potential issues such as the spread of disease. There is plenty of advice available and I would encourage everyone to heed the warnings issued.”